Today's announcement is the first step in allowing transgender #Airmen to serve openly.

Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced June 30 that transgender individuals will now be able to openly serve in the U.S. armed forces. The new Defense Department policy also establishes a construct by which service members may transition gender while serving, sets standards for medical care and outlines responsibilities for military services and commanders to develop and implement guidance, training and specific policies in the near and long term. “This is the right thing to do for our people and for the force,” Carter said. “We’re talking about talented Americans who are serving with distinction or who want the opportunity to serve. We can’t allow barriers unrelated to a person’s qualifications prevent us from recruiting and retaining those who can best accomplish the mission." Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James vocalized her support for the policy change. "Transgender...